Date: Thu, 16 Jul 1998 08:30:29 -0700 From: Eros Publishing Subject: Letter To The Editor I am working with others on an "appreciative inquiry" study to identify positive experiences GLBT families in King County have had with their children in child-care. This study is funded by the Pride Foundation, City of Seattle, and King County. The study is seeking GLBT parents who would like to be interviewed without compensation for about 60 to 90 minutes. By Friday, 7/17/98, we would like to have identified names of most families interested in participating. At this point we are especially seeking families with any one (or a combination) of the following diversity factors: low-income, of color, bisexual, transgendered, gay, reside in South King County, reside in North King County, child with special learning needs, or with a hearing-impaired family member. Participating GLBT families must currently have a child 12 years old or younger in child-care. Names of study participants will remain confidential. We do intend, however, to "trumpet" success stories (without names attached). We would like to widely publicize postive child-care practices that can improve the quality of care for all families, especially LGBT families. The study is also seeking child-care providers who would like to speak to their positive experiences and practices in welcoming and being culturally relevant to GLBT families. This study is being sponsored by the Lesbian & Gay Child Care Task Force. Child Care Resources is working as a cooperating agency. Key individuals include Mary Dispenza, Project Lead Researcher; Jean Kasota, Child Care Program Representative, King County; and Theressa Lenear, Director of Diversity/ Inclusion, South King County Child Care Resources. At the end of September, a public event will be held to announce the results of the study. All interested community members will be welcome. If you are interested in participating as a GLBT family or as a child-care provider, please contact me right away. Sarah Luthens, Peer Researcher http://www.wolfenet.com/~aubrey/aubrey.htm